SVNS LAX: Los Angeles Back as Host on Sevens Circuit
SVNS LAX: Los Angeles Back as Host on Sevens Circuit
The LA 7s is back as SVNS LAX.
As part of the rebranding and relaunching of World Rugby's international 7s circuit into HSBC SVNS, the schedule of venues has been changed. However, Los Angeles remains part of the series.
World Sevens Circuit Reborn, Reimagined as HSBC SVNS
Los Angeles has been confirmed as one of the eight iconic destinations that comprise HSBC SVNS, World Rugby’s revamped and rebranded global celebration of rugby sevens launched today. For the first time since 2017, and only the second time in history, both the Men’s and Women’s USA Rugby Sevens will compete together on US soil in front of friends, family and fans. Returning to Dignity Health Sports Park, March 2-3, 2024, HSBC SVNS looks to elevate the rugby experience, four short years ahead of Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics.
While USA Rugby endorses this tournament, it is once again AEG that will be delivering it to fans. The HSBC SVNS is taking a page from the LA 7s playbook with a commitment to a more festival atmosphere, with expanded food, music, and cultural experiences. LA has already been delivering that.
“The growth of sevens, both globally and here in the United States, has been an extraordinary pathway and we’re thrilled to continue being a part of the trajectory here with the reimagined HSBC SVNS," said USA Rugby CEO Ross Young. "Above all, the opportunity for both men’s and women’s teams to compete alongside one another in front of our home fans in Los Angeles. With the elevated experience and identity the HSBC SVNS will embark on in 2024, we’re excited for the teams and fans alike to come together for a fantastic weekend in rugby.”
With both the men and the women playing at the same venue over the same weekend, with equal appearance fees, the HSBC SVNS now reflects how the Olympic Games handles all sports—equally. It's worth noting that in almost exactly five years, Los Angeles will be hosting the 2028 Games, with the rugby events being held at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“Our team is so excited to be a part of this reimagined series," enthused USA Women’s Sevens Head Coach Emilie Bydwell. " The women’s game in particular has really gone from strength to strength since the Rio Olympics, and with this increase in investment, support and visibility we can’t wait to see where it goes next. With such a big year coming our way, we are excited to use the HSBC SVNS to grow and celebrate all the moments at each stage of the journey. One moment for us that will be incredibly special this year, is when we get to bring 'The Highwomen' home to LA and play in front of a home crowd in a World Rugby event for the first time in five years. Having the chance to engage with our fans, play in front of our families, and demonstrate our American brand of rugby in LA will definitely be a highlight, and something we are looking forward to.”
“It’s an exciting evolution to the sevens series and this new 12-team format on the men’s side will only make it more competitive and ruthless with each and every game, now having intensity and real effect on outcome," added USA Men’s Sevens Head Coach Mike Friday. "The ultimate in gladiatorial sport! We very much look forward to being a part of that building towards Paris 2024. However, before the HSBC SVNS, we are fully focused as a squad on the RAN Olympic qualifier in late August where we are looking to earn our ticket to Paris 2024.”
With this new five-year commitment for the LA 7s to host a stop on the newly-named HSBC SVNS circuit, and will be a big help for AEG in its planning to build the tournament. Security for all of these host venues is crucial in allowing them to create partnerships and build fan engagement. For AEG, which has hosted only two tournaments thanks to the COVID shutdowns, this, along with the new format and the new World Rugby commitment to a fun, festival atmosphere, will establish a clear road toward the 2028 Olympics and growing the popularity of Rugby 7s in the USA.
